Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

Even though Michael Johnson missed part of the 2007 season and even though he is a little undersized for a defensive end, Johnson graded out as a third round selection had he opted to head to the NFL last season. At 6-6 he has the frame to add more weight, but he has been doing perfectly fine hovering around the 250 to 260 pound range. Few ends can match Johnson's speed and athleticism, but he has to start producing at the college level if he wants to remain a first round prospect. Through three games in the 2008 season, Johnson has only tallied 0.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles-for-loss for Georgia Tech. In 2007 he had four sacks, blocked two kicks and forced three fumbles -- that was in limited action. He is certainly an end (or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense) who can make the big play, but he needs to find some consistency this season. It is unlikely that Johnson will find too many headlines with the Yellow Jackets in 2008. All the headlines are talking about the new triple-option offense that Coach Paul Johnson has brought to Atlanta. He may fly under the radar for now, but Johnson has too much athletic ability to slide under the radar of the NFL. 11/24 Update: Johnson finally started to show his stuff this season. Through 11 games he has 6.0 sacks and 13.0 tackles-for-loss. Both of those are team highs. His production through October and November has been solid and that should help keep Johnson in the top ten of the NFL Draft. Johnson's versatility is also a big plus. In addition to his sacks, he has picked off a pass, broken up six passes and defended seven passes. 2/11 Update: Johnson's draft stock is dropping as fast as, well stocks. Once considered a top ten pick, Johnson is now teetering between the first and second round. He skipped out on the Senior Bowl to prepare for the NFL Combine, which might not be a bad move for him. His athleticism will shine in Indianapolis and that should be enough to at least keep him in the first round. 4/16 Update: Johnson did have a fine combine, but his pro day was even better. Those performances stopped his quick slide from a potential top five pick to a second rounder, but it remains to be seen where he ends up. Some teams will love his athleticism and others will not touch him due to his technique issues and lack of collegiate production. In the end, Johnson should be a late first or early second round pick.